Empowering patients to self-control and self-management of anticoagulant therapy

Introduction. Empowerment is a process that allows patients to perform self-control and self-management of anticoagulant therapy, while allowing them to influence the process and the outcomes of their treatment.

Aim. Assessment of the level of empowerment of patients on anticoagulant treatment before and after the education.

Material and methods. A quantitative study with structured instrument was used. The number of 46 patients with antiphospholipid syndrome treated in the anticoagulation clinic at the general hospital participated in the study, and 37 patients were subsequently enrolled in the training. Data were collected to determine their level of empowerment.

Results and conclusion. We divided the patients into four categories of empowerment. We found that after education, patients had statistically significant higher levels of empowerment. After the education, all 37 patients were classified into the fourth category, indicating high patient participation. Empowered patients make their own decisions about their health, they have a better relationship with health professionals, they follow instructions, take greater responsibility for their health, and reduce the need for hospitalisations and urgent care.